Useful Mexico Travel Tips: Practical Advice - Money, Bathrooms, Sim Cards, Bartering

[@alysmalls]

Gotta love it when the waves interrupt you, haha! Any other useful tips that I missed?

[@phillipmoreno6487]

Tip: Pet all dogs as they are usually friendly.

[@IslandGirl40]

Is there UBER service in Mexico? Would you recommend public transit?

[@Elv3ganR4sta]

As a Mexican, you're giving the best advices. Just one piece of advice that I would complement, don't haggle with artisans, you can haggle at medium stores where things seem mass produced, but if you find someone selling their direct work and effort, make sure you pay them what they price it at out of respect for their work. Another advice is research on KZbin or Google before you go somewhere, specially ancient ruins, that way you'll save a couple bucks on the guide and also understand more of what you see.

[@alysmalls]

Yes totally agree! No haggling on quality, handmade items by local artists. Thanks for the additional tips, great advice :)

[@Maid3n]

I was just going to comment this! To me I think Americans are so cheap and they don’t appreciate other cultures. They do that here in Hawaiʻi. They’ve exploited these islands beyond repair and their military is actively poisoning the drinking water here. As a Kanaka Maoli it’s heartbreaking to see our ʻĀina being exploited. Good on you for addressing that cause they’re so rude.

[@catcat9003]

Nah mate I'm haggling 😂

[@donovan1971]

Thank you so much for this video. You' have removed some anxiety I was having about my trip to Puerto Vallarta. Thanks again.

[@tomgardner8825]

atm tips withdraw odd amount instead of 3,000 pesos get 3,100 so you have change. the decline tip gives you a better rate, has nothing to do with fees.

[@carole8312]

Good advice. Also always be aware of your surroundings. I was robbed on a premium overnight bus in the Yucatan. Luckily they only got cash from me, but they robbed 4 other people on the same bus and they lost their passports because they packed them in their backpacks. The police were NO help. A journalist came along after waiting a day at the police station and helped us get police reports. While most people in Mexico are lovely, there is a definite problem with crime.

[@edubb2491]

Iam sorry that happend!..can you explain overnight premium bus?

[@Paula-nl7bh]

what a great video! another tip - I also land up saving up on unnecessary expenses like atm fees etc in Mexico - using apps like ATM Fee Saver - it helps find atms abroad with no fees or lower fees than others along with withdrawal limits etc. worth adding to your list of tricks!

[@rosem388]

I know this is an old video but just a tip buying something small at the resort and using like a $20 they will give back change in pesos. Then you can avoid ATM or conversion all together just by buying a bottle of water or whatever.

[@frankb509]

Yes - but the conversion rate they use is what determines if you got fair rate or got gouged. Usually, the exchange rate will be pretty bad at a resort.

[@Giahomemadeproductions]

Well done! Thanks for sharing. Really good tips. I will be in Mexico in 2 weeks. Thank you so much!

[@ozner303]

Good tip on the SIM card!! Thanks!!

[@alysmalls]

it has saved us so much money over the last few trips!

[@frankhernandez4041]

Thank so much for this video. You were very helpful.

[@RachelsTravel]

Great tips Ally! 🇲🇽 It’s pretty much the same for the Caribbean side of Mexico as well. Thanks for sharing! Gotta love the natural beach waves sound crashing your vid! 😄

[@alysmalls]

Thanks for watching!! And yeah I don't know why I didn't mention anywhere on the Caribbean side in the video lol! But, same same !

[@IslandGirl40]

Great tips Aly. 👌 Appreciate how thorough and detailed you are with your videos. Just subscribed! Definitely need these tips when I visit Mexico 🇲🇽 ❤ 😃

[@phillramsay3037]

Telcel sim cards are great, I have been using mine for over 5 years now on yearly trips to Mexico. One tip to stop it expiring is to load it with 20 pesos every 6 months and then it will keep the card active and you can top up with whatever plan you want just before you head out to Mexico.

[@alysmalls]

great idea

[@AlicjaM6]

The sim card tip!!!! Yay ❤ thanks

[@Oscaredi100]

Question, did you use the word : barter for bargain or haggle?

[@godloveme854]

Thank you so much , very helped

[@billhowe6059]

Outstanding info! - as a soon-to-be first timer to Cancun this has been an eye-opener. Many thanks!!

[@comedycuts2862]

You've been hitting those traps hard in the gym 💪

[@NewYorksFinest1]

great tips. we will be in puerto vallarta in a few weeks. our u.s. plans include mexico so we can avoid that extra expense luckily

[@fv1291]

Much better, not more better. 😊

[@bernardogonzalez9984]

Mexico is so beautiful 🇲🇽

[@alysmalls]

absolutely agree :)

[@Terry-HandPanHowe]

Best tips EVER! Thanks!!!! XOXOXO!!!

[@alysmalls]

thanks, appreciate that very much!

[@alejandrafuentes5398]

Love your videos! I'll be in Puerto Vallarta next week, so this helps a lot! can't wait for more!

[@alysmalls]

Thanks for watching, enjoy your trip!!

[@fv1291]

Tip well, it makes everyone happier!

[@Ray-ys6nn]

Excellent tips!

[@bkpeary]

All of this is great!!! Nice to find you! Keep up the great work!

[@alysmalls]

Thanks Bill :)

[@deborahpacheco2799]

Great tips

[@amandageddes-smith318]

Would recommend getting pesos before traveling, from your bank at home or is it better to do it once you get Mexico?

[@alysmalls]

I always get a little bit from the bank at home, just so I have enough for the first day or two. Then I find an ATM to get the rest.

[@DougSladeStuff]

Awesome video, full of all the great tips to enjoy being in Mexico!!! Salud! ;)

[@alysmalls]

thank you!

[@TheSingerB24]

Helpful ! What are the best places to visit in Cancun ? Please !

[@owmaki]

This is a really good vid ❤

[@travelvibesinna]

Wonderful advices ❤

[@nathanchandler4029]

Great, thank you for being a normal person and instagramming this to death. So informative, we really appreciate it.

[@fayegee9894]

You Rock with your videos!! Love them all and going to be very helpful on my trip to Los Cabos this year. Thanks again

[@yshah2409]

Amazing tips

[@tanialuna9491]

Hi 👋 from Iowa Ally.. I been watching a lot of your videos for my upcoming cruise to Puerto Vallarta(may) Great Tips 👍 I even have my pesos ready 💰,you know as a mexican with pesos they don't even going to think im a tourist 😉

[@maritatomacruz9833]

Thanks for your tips. May I ask what camera you use for your videos?

[@alysmalls]

Sony zv-1 and google pixel 6

[@officialchannel1292]

Clutch!

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

Hi: I am in Huatulco Oaxjaca and there are no Casas de Cambio. Lots of turismo but no place to change your dollars to pesos… One Bank, Banco Azteca but they have a small limit which I forgot now but I had to go back a few times to get rid of my dollars the Mexicans here don’t really want. They should because obviously since your video the exchange rate is crazy and not good for Americans with dollars; 16 not 20 😢 Well, thanks for those pieces of advice. I think I am still messing up the extra exchange at the ATM 😮 Gotta take my time better. Hasta la vista. ❤

[@seutatia]

girl you are on it! thank you! you and your man are so cute, i do all the talking and mine shows up as being with me as well :)

[@alysmalls]

haha thanks girl!

[@willeasy4667]

Thanks/Nice video/

[@MrVenisoft]

Never pay taxi with any kind of cards. They wrongly charge more amount and your bank wont help you in getting back as you swiped the card manually. Take all receipts wherever you buy anything with your card. In Cancun airport, request Uber or DiDi from Terminal 2 or 3 and avoid Terminal 4 and don’t listen to what taxi people say. Just use free shuttle to transfer between terminals.

[@njbestvideo5977]

well done...

[@DeanaUnreiner]

Hola Aly, First time traveling to Puerto Vallarta we are staying at a resort just want to go off the resort for shopping. How much peso do you recommend we bring with us. I am struggling with everyone saying just use USA money to no bring Pesos. I am confused HELP. Great videos love them. Adios

[@alysmalls]

Hi Deana, I always use the local currency, so I recommend pesos (I've never used USD in Mexico). As far as how much, depends what and how much you plan to buy. Shirts could be anywhere from 100-300 pesos, trinkets maybe 100 pesos (approx), jewelry varies, vanilla maybe 100-200 pesos

[@Another-Moe]

Amazing tips !

[@Jacqueline-fu1jx]

I have three question... I am a first time traveler .. and my fiance and I are planning on going to los Cabos for our honeymoon.. do I go directly to a bank in Mexico? or if not how would I get the pesos before paying everything in pesos... Also is there any way i can book to get a boat ride or anything like that? Also, When I get off the airport do we wait to see if there's a taxi around and ask how much it is before getting in? ( I speak fluently Spanish)

[@alysmalls]

Yes, go to a bank ATM in Mexico for pesos. You can book boat rides from local guides down at the Marina in Los Cabos. Ask around for a few for prices before agreeing to one. You can also book boat tours online, I like Viator. And try to arrange your transportation from the airport before you arrive (i.e., book online). Otherwise yes, negotiate cab price before getting in. You can also take the bus which is apparently very cheap and reliable, especially since you speak Spanish.

[@Jacqueline-fu1jx]

@@alysmalls Thank you so much! I appreciate your help!

[@Thepearlcapture]

How much do you tip ?

[@deerewi545]

Yass!! Great tips! thank you!

[@alysmalls]

Glad I could help :)

[@zz2766]

Great video! Love it

[@thuytienngonguyen2089]

Thank you for the tips. Can you use SIM card on IPhone? (I thought IPhone no longer has SIM card)

[@FLYING_ROBOT]

Very helpful thank you.

[@julioc4978]

Great tips, How about paying hotels with credit cards? Cheers

[@alysmalls]

Yes, I normally pay for my hotels with credit cards. Sometimes you save money if you pay cash though, like in Holbox we saved 10% by paying cash!

[@strawberrynovel3786]

Thank you so much! Would you advise changing currency at home before arriving in Mexico? We're coming from the UK so thinking of changing GBP to Pesos.

[@alysmalls]

Yes, personally I always bring some currency with me so that I have enough for at least the first few days. It all depends how long you're planning to stay and whether you'll have access to ATMs and such. This past trip, I brought enough money for the first week, and then hit the ATM once for one more week.

[@strawberrynovel3786]

@@alysmalls appreciate your reply. That sounds like a plan, we'll do the same. Thank you! 🌟

[@MoniqueBanks-ut3hy]

Hello! I am going to Cabo soon. Does the SIM card information apply to iPhones? If so, how do I do that? I know this may be a crazy question; however, I have never heard of removing a SIM card for iPhones.

[@mohamedaminemanar7102]

❤

[@coqbcmichelle]

What city were you at when filming this? Looks fabulous

[@alysmalls]

This was filmed in Bucerias, just north of Puerto Vallarta. I have a couple Bucerias videos on my channel :)

[@coqbcmichelle]

@@alysmalls oh cool, thanks - will check it out. Cheers from another 🇨🇦 gal (Vancouver)

[@MasonTate-iq6oc]

I tried a Tecel SIM card for the first time on our trip to PV a couple weeks ago. Definitely cheaper than roaming plan. Other travel vlogs advised Telcel “chips” are readily available at OXXO stores but I did not find any OXXO stores in the old Romántica or Centro zones that sold them. It appears OXXO now sells their own brand of SIM cards. Had to find a Telcel authorized dealer for the SIM card and then buy a plan to load the data at an OXXO store. Bit of a pain.

[@jess49497]

Mexico, a country full of culture and traditions, I hope to return soon.

[@parthppatel28]

she meant Bargain when she said Barter.. Don't go with your hat and try to exchange for another one.. just so you know.. 😄

[@Jennyoliana]

How much cash should we bring for 5 days? Should we get pesos before we leave?

[@In_con_ceivable]

I guess that means getting a phone there as well with the simm card…?

[@alysmalls]

If you already have a smart phone, all you do is swap out your regular sim card for the Mexican one. Some phones even have dual sims as well.

[@nourazerki3565]

Do you recommend going to majahuitas music festival if yes what is the best way to do it Thank you 🙏

[@jeffavendano4252]

You don't clearly state that with those TelCell SIM cards calling anywhere in North America (Canada & USA included + Mexico) is like making a local call. Yes in the person receiving the call will see a weird number, it's basically a Mexican local number ! And yes you can receive text & voice calls at that number and it won't be long distance from Canada or USA,... !

[@FLYING_ROBOT]

Thank you for the information Can I pay for the sim card by debit card or credit card? How much cash approximately we need as couple with child per day and we don't drink alcohol so just food and fun activities

[@uobeyacts238]

Bargain refers to negotiating a deal or price, while barter involves trading goods or services without using money.

[@osochocolatoso]

From a Mexican: don't haggle. The vendor doesn't love to haggle, he is just being nice in order to close a business. You just spent hundres or thousands of USD/EUR/GBP first to get here from wherever in the world, then you are spending some other hundreds on accomodation and have no problem on paying a 300 usd bill at a nightclub. Don't be greedy with the 500 pesos hat/poncho/sandals/sun blocker that you actually need. It's the vendor's living and he/she will just end up thinking "pinche gringo ni porque gana en dólares" about you.

[@brittanyheikel239]

Aly smalls we are coming 3 kids and planning day trips. We are staying in misaloma. Do you recommend renting a car?

[@mickb1471]

Ten days ago I nearly got robbed or murdered or both in Tulum, not on the street but in a supermarket in the middle of the day, so always be aware of your surroundings and if you feel a spray of something on your back, run to the nearest security guard. If you only speak English don't expect any help.

[@jdmCrush2]

What happened? Spray? Sorry to hear but glad you’re ok.

[@rosem388]

Robbed or murdered? Those are night and day completely different. What exactly happened?

[@mickb1471]

@@rosem388 I was in a supermarket when I got sprayed with a brown sauce on my back, I looked around and saw nobody except for one guy who said I should go to the toilet but in Spanish, I ignored him and looked for security who showed me an image from the CCTV of a guy who deliberately squirted me with taco sauce to get me to go to the toilet where they were going to end my life and Rob me. I was not the first intended victim.

[@seanc.5310]

@@mickb1471seems a little dramatic to escalate taco sauce to potential murder

[@mickb1471]

@@seanc.5310 you've got no idea!

[@Stevenfrijol]

Some of those Bathrooms are really old and dirty. Always take an extra paper towel in your pocket.

[@1232bluejays]

Wow those data sim cards are cheap

[@moncorp1]

People in the U.S. and Canada aren't used to bargaining and often feel guilty about it, but most of the rest of the world does it. They think you're a sucker if you don't.

[@gem3132]

Brush up your Spanish: easiest language for English speakers. 500.000.000 speakers.

[@JennyJAldrich]

I am.trying to learn and for me-it is not easy. We dont all learn the same.

[@gmchingon]

If you speak a foreign language, speak it with an accent. This will make the locals assume you are a local who is learning a foreign language, and not that you are a foreigner. I am Mexican, but I have been living in the US for many years. If I ever speak English, I do so with an accent. I also stall and make little mistakes on purpose, making it look like I have yet to master the language.

[@veramae4098]

I'm so tired of women dying their hair blond. Brunettes are beautiful too.

[@1232bluejays]

I feel like a cheapskate when I barter

[@xerxeso1]

Hello Aly...Are You Married ? :-)

[@alejandromartinez8966]

Ablando un chingo

[@Jungle1048]

Aly 😍

[@safirijorgensen7842]

How much cash should we have on us daily?